Why FM25 was scrapped, refund details, and what’s next for the
franchise
Football Manager 25 Cancelled: A Gut Punch for Fans Like Us
Let me start with a confession: I’ve lost years of my life to Football Manager. Those late-night scouting sessions. The rage-quits after losing a playoff final. The smug satisfaction of turning Boreham Wood into Champions League contenders. So when I saw Sports Interactive’s announcement about FM25 being cancelled? Mate, it felt like my star striker had missed an open goal in the 90th minute.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already pre-ordered FM25, circled March in your calendar, and started planning your first save. Let’s break down what’s happened – and what it means for your FM addiction.
Why FM25 Got the Red Card
Sports Interactive dropped the bombshell yesterday: no FM25 this year. No new wonderkids. No revamped interface. No bragging rights about your tactical genius. Here’s the deal:
- They’ve missed their “desired level” (translation: the game’s not up to scratch)
- Delays weren’t enough – even pushing to March left key issues unresolved
- They refuse to “FIFA” us – no releasing a half-baked game and patching it later
I’ll give them credit: cancelling a flagship title takes guts. But let’s be real – after two delays and radio silence since October, this stings. Remember that time you spent six hours setting up a 4-3-3 Gegenpress only for your board to sell your best player? Yeah, this feels worse.
Your Burning Questions Answered
“How Do I Get My Refund?”
If you pre-ordered through official channels (Steam, Epic, etc.), refunds are automatic. No need to spam customer support – though keep an eye on your bank account.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Still worried? Take a screenshot of your order confirmation. Better safe than sorry.
“Why Now?”
Turns out corporate red tape delayed the announcement. As SI put it: “Stakeholder compliance” – basically, lawyers and accountants had to approve every word. Classic boardroom drama, right?
“Will FM24 Get Updated?”
Short answer: No. No 24/25 season data, no last-minute wonderkid boosts. SI’s all-in on the next release. Time to dust off that hex edit save file you’ve been nursing.
What’s Next for Football Manager?
Here’s the silver lining: FM’s not dead. SI’s “laying the building blocks for a new era” (their words, not mine). Think of this like a club going into administration – painful now, but potentially transformative.
What I’m Watching For:
- The “New Era” Promise – Will FM26 finally deliver that engine overhaul we’ve craved since FM22?
- Subscription Lifelines – FM24 might stay playable on Xbox Game Pass/Apple Arcade. Cross those fingers.
- Community Mods – Expect fan databases to go into overdrive. Your move, SortitoutSI.
My Take: A Bitter Pill Worth Swallowing?
Let’s be honest – we’ve all grumbled about “glorified spreadsheet” vibes in recent FM editions. SI’s gamble could pay off if FM26 delivers a proper next-gen experience. But for now?
Your FM25 Survival Kit:
- Reinstall FM24 and finally finish that Pentagon Challenge
- Join the Steam Workshop modding frenzy
- Follow SI’s socials for FM26 teasers (I’ve got notifications ON)
What do you think – brave move or epic fail? Drop a comment. And if you need me? I’ll be in the 2035 save file where my 37-year-old regen still bags 30 goals a season.